Bacolod Diocese asks for shortened curfew hours for Aguinaldo masses

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

 

BACOLOD City – The Diocese of Bacolod is asking the city government to shorten the curfew hours in the city in preparation for the “Simbang Gabi” or Aguinaldo masses next month.

The Diocese is proposing to the city government to review the existing curfew hours from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. to accommodate the traditional observance of nine days of early morning masses.

The Diocese believes that in this difficult time, the people need more than ever the Christmas spirit and the Yuletide cheer.

In a letter sent to Mayor Evelio Leonardia, Bishop Patricio Buzon suggested to shorten the existing curfew hours to 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. so that they can offer more early morning masses and reasonably accommodate churchgoers which will prevent overcrowding in churches.

Under this setup, Buzon said that they can hold two Aguinaldo masses daily, one as early as 3:30 a.m. and another at 5 a.m.

Buzon assured that the Diocese will continue to strictly observe the health protocols.

The Diocese also conveyed its appreciation to the city government for facilitating their requests in a number of occasions during the pandemic.

Buzon said that “the working relationship between the Office of the Bishop and the local government unit has greatly assured the people that their welfare is truly their  primary concern and that religious gatherings can continue, as long as health protocols are strictly observed.”

Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran said the bishop’s request had been forwarded to Councilor Archie Baribar, who authored the city’s current curfew ordinance.